U.S. patent number 8,230,628 [Application Number 12/751,097] was granted by the patent office on 2012-07-31 for apparatus and method for attaching signs to concrete road barriers.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Meadow Burke, LLC. Invention is credited to Michael J. Recker, Bernard J. Roman, Raymond R. Sullivan.
United States Patent |
8,230,628 |
Recker , et al. |
July 31, 2012 |
Apparatus and method for attaching signs to concrete road
barriers
Abstract
A mounting arrangement for securing signs at select positions
along the length of a concrete barrier is provided by forming a
longitudinally extending groove within one side of the barrier and
slideably positioning a bolt within the channel so that the bolt is
captured within the channel for longitudinal movement relative
thereto and extends through the groove and to the exterior of the
barrier. The bolt extends through a sign support on the exterior of
the barrier. A nut engaged with the bolt draws the sign support
into secure engagement with the exterior surface of the
barrier.
Inventors: |
Recker; Michael J. (Lithia,
FL), Sullivan; Raymond R. (Cincinnati, OH), Roman;
Bernard J. (Toledo, OH) |
Assignee: |
Meadow Burke, LLC (Tampa,
FL)
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Family
ID: |
44530080 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/751,097 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2010 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20110214323 A1 |
Sep 8, 2011 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61310078 |
Mar 3, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
40/606.14; 404/6;
404/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F
9/669 (20160201); Y10T 29/49963 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
G09F
7/18 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;40/606.14,611.06
;404/6,9
;248/225.11,298.1,429,226.11,244,312,346.5,612,657,480 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Morris; Lesley D.
Assistant Examiner: Kim; Shin
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Sheridan Ross PC
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/310,078, "Apparatus and Method for Attaching
Signs to Concrete Road Barriers", filed Mar. 3, 2010, the contents
of which are incorporated by reference it its entirety.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A precast concrete road barrier and apparatus for selectively
securing signs thereto, said precast concrete road barrier
comprising: a. a recessed channel cast in place within and
extending lengthwise of said precast barrier, said recessed channel
providing a continuous slot extending longitudinally of the barrier
and bounded by spaced inwardly extending flanges; b. a bolt
received within the channel, said bolt having a head slideably
received within the channel for selective interior engagement with
the inwardly extending flanges and a shank extending from the head
and through the slot; and, c. a nut engaged with the shank on the
exterior of the channel to selectively draw the head into secure
engagement with the inwardly extending flanges at selectively
variable positions along a length of said continuous slot.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: a. the shank is of a
cross-section permitting it to slide freely between the inwardly
extending flanges; b. the head has a width dimension permitting it
to be aligned with and freely pass between the inwardly extending
flanges and a length dimension enabling the head to be trapped
inwardly of the flanges upon turning of the bolt while within the
channel.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the channel has
oppositely disposed longitudinally extending interior walls spaced
by a dimension greater than the width dimension of the head and
less than the length dimension of the head.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: a. the channel is
embedded within the barrier; and, b. the slot opens through one
side of the barrier.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: a. the shank is of a
cross-section permitting it to slide freely between the inwardly
extending flanges; and, b. the head has width dimension permitting
it to be aligned with and freely pass between the inwardly
extending flanges and a length dimension enabling the head to be
trapped inwardly of the flanges upon turning of the bolt while
within the channel.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the channel has
oppositely disposed longitudinally extending interior walls spaced
by a dimension greater that the width dimension of the head and
less than the length dimension of the head.
7. An apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising anchor
elements secured to and extending from the channel for embedment
within the barrier to resist pull-out of the channel from the
barrier.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the anchor elements
comprise legs secured to and extending from the channel, said legs
having enlargements extending laterally therefrom in spaced
relationship to the channel.
9. A precast concrete road barrier and apparatus for selectively
securing a sign at select positions along the length of the precast
barrier, said apparatus comprising: a. a longitudinally extending
continuous recessed slot formed within the precast barrier and
opening through one side thereof; b. a sign support slideably
engaged with said one side and having an opening therethrough
aligned with the slot; c. a bolt captured within the slot for
longitudinal movement relative thereto and extending therefrom
through the opening in the sign support; and, d. a nut engaged with
the bolt to selectively draw the sign support against said one side
and secure the support against longitudinal movement relative to
the barrier.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein: a. the slot is provided
by a channel embedded within the barrier and opening through said
one side of thereof; b. the channel has oppositely disposed
inwardly extending flanges which serve to capture the bolt within
the slot.
11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the bolt has a head
with a width dimension permitting the head to be aligned with and
freely pass between the inwardly extending flanges and a length
dimension enabling the head to be trapped beneath the inwardly
extending flanges upon turning of the bolt while within the
channel.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the channel has
oppositely disposed longitudinally extending interior walls spaced
by a dimension greater that the width dimension of the head and
less than the length dimension of the head.
13. A method for securing a sign at select positions along the
length of a precast concrete barrier, said method comprising: a.
forming a recessed slot longitudinally within and opening through
at least one side of the precast barrier; b. slideably disposing a
bolt within the slot for longitudinal movement relative thereto,
said bolt having a head captured within the slot and a shank
extending through the slot; c. positioning a sign support at a
selectively variable position on said one side of the barrier, with
the shank of the bolt extending though an aperture therefor in the
support; and, d. engaging the shank of the bolt with a nut to draw
the sign support against said one side and secure the support
against longitudinal movement relative to the barrier.
14. A method according to claim 13, wherein: a. the slot is formed
with inwardly directed oppositely disposed flanges extending
longitudinally of the barrier; b. the head of the bolt is captured
to the interior of the flanges and, c. the shank of the bolt
extends between the flanges.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the head of the bolt is
formed with a width dimension permitting it to be aligned with and
pass freely between the inwardly directed flanges and a length
dimension enabling the head to be trapped interiorly of the
inwardly extending flanges upon turning of the bolt while within
the channel.
16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the channel is formed
with oppositely disposed longitudinally extending interior walls
spaced by a dimension greater than the width dimension of the head
and less than the length dimension of the head.
17. A method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of
injecting foam plastic into the slot.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the attachment of reflectors and
other signs to concrete road barriers. It is particularly addressed
to an improved apparatus and method which provides for attachment
at selectively variable positions along the length a temporary
medium barrier, without drilling or the inclusion of permanently
mounted hardware which would interfere with stacking or handling of
the barriers.
A common way of currently attaching reflectors and signs to
temporary medium barriers is to drill a hole into the top of the
barrier and then insert an expansion anchor into the hole for
securement of the sign or reflector. This is a relatively slow and
labor intensive process.
It is also known to attach reflectors to temporary medium barriers
through the use of adhesive, or recesses within the barriers. Such
arrangements may be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,224,002; 6,224,290;
6,505,994 and Patent Application Publication U.S. 2004/0146348.
Another technique for securing reflectors to waterfilled plastic
road barriers is to provide blind hole recesses in the top surface
of the barriers, for the receipt of reflector supports. An example
of such an arrangement may be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,306.
It is also known to attach glarefoils to road barriers through
means of an elongated base runner secured to the top of the
barrier, to which the glardshields are bolted. Such an arrangement
may be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,338,041.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The apparatus of the present invention provides for the securing of
reflectors and signs along the length of a concrete barrier through
means of a slot formed in an opening through one side of the
barrier. A sign support is slideably engaged with the barrier and
has an opening aligned with the slot. A bolt is captured within the
slot for slideable movement and extends therefrom through the
opening in the sign support. A nut is engaged with the bolt to draw
the sign support against the barrier. The method of the invention
comprises forming the slot longitudinally within the barrier,
slideably disposing the bolt within the slot for longitudinal
movement while capturing the head of the bolt within the slot,
positioning the sign support on the barrier and drawing the sign
support against one side of the barrier to secure it in place.
A principal object of the invention is to provide an apparatus a
method for securing signs and reflectors at selectively variable
positions along the length of a temporary medium barrier, without
the necessary of drilling or providing individual recesses for each
sign or reflector.
Another object of the invention is to provide such a method and
apparatus which may be incorporated into the barrier, without
protruding elements which extend from the barrier when it is in the
storage mode.
A further object related to the latter object is to provide a
reusable mounting structure which does not interfere with
stackability of the barriers when not in use.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus
which may be easily precast into a concrete barrier, without
materially altering the shape of the barrier or creating obstacles
which would interfere with the handling or stackability of the
barrier.
Still another and more specific object of the invention is to
provide an apparatus and method for mounting signs and reflectors
at select locations along the length of a concrete barrier, which
avoids to the need for drilling into the barrier and a risk of
drilling into reinforcing steel.
These and other objects will become more apparent from the
accompanying drawings in the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a concrete temporary medium
barrier, with reflectors attached thereto through the mounting
structure of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, taken on the plane designated by
line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting structure of
the present invention, with parts thereof broken away, showing the
mounting channel and connecting bolt structure, separate and apart
from the concrete barrier;
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the mounting channel shown in
FIG. 3, with parts thereof broken away to accommodate the length of
the channel; and
FIG. 5 is a perspective view, with parts thereof broken away,
showing a reflector secured to the top of a concrete barrier
through means of the structure of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1, a precast concrete temporary road barrier B is
shown having the slot S of the present invention formed in the top
surface thereof. As shown in FIG. 1, the barrier B is an elongate
and plurality of reflectors R are secured at select locations along
its length by the connector of the invention.
The slot S is formed by a C-shaped channel 10 cast in place within
the barrier, as can best be seen from FIG. 2. The channel is
elongate and comprises a bottom wall 12; spaced sidewalls 14
extending upwardly from the bottom wall; and inwardly extending
flanges 16 extending toward one another in spaced relationship to
define the slot S therebetween.
Anchor elements or legs A are fixed to and extend downwardly from
the channel 10 at longitudinally spaced intervals (See FIGS. 3 and
4). These elements serve to secure the channel in place within the
concrete barrier. As viewed from the side, the anchor elements are
of an I-shaped configuration and each comprise a web 17, a head 18
welded to the channel 10, and an enlargement or foot 20.
FIG. 3 shows a foam applicator tube 21 which may be used to inject
memory foam into the slot S to prevent the intrusion of concrete
into the slot during formation of the barrier. Such foam is soft
and crushable and does not interfere with the insertion of bolts
into the slot. It also serves to prevent debris, water and ice
accumulation during use of the barrier.
The channel 10 is cast in place within a concrete barrier so as to
extend longitudinally of the barrier, with the anchors A embedded
within the concrete of the barrier and the top surfaces of the
flanges 16 flush with the top of the barrier (See FIG. 2). Bolts 22
are slideably received within the channel C and provide the means
whereby signs and reflectors may be secured to the barrier B
through the channel. Each bolt comprises an elongate head 24
proportioned for slideable receipt within the channel 10 and a
threaded shank 26 of a cross-section permitting it to pass freely
through the slot defined between the flanges 16 of the channel. The
head 24 has a width dimension "w" permitting it to pass freely
between the edges of the inwardly directed flanges 16 and a length
dimension "l" enabling the head to be trapped beneath the inwardly
directed flanges upon turning of a bolt 22 while the head is
disposed within the channel. The oppositely disposed interior
surfaces of the sidewalls 14 are spaced by a dimension "d" greater
than the width dimension "w" and less than the length dimension
"l". As a result, when the bolt 22 is turned about the axis of the
shank 26, the edges of the head 24 engage the interior surfaces of
the sidewalls 14 to limit rotation of the bolt and secure the head
24 beneath the flanges 16.
In use, the bolts 22 may be slid into place through the open ends
of the C-shaped channel 10 or aligned and inserted in place through
the slot between the flanges 16. A reflector or sign support 10 is
then engaged with each of the bolts. Engagement is provided by
extending the shanks of the bolts through apertures therefor in the
supports and then securing each bolt to the support by a nut 30 and
washer 32. With the nut and washer in place, the supports may be
slid along the top of the barrier and, once in place at a selected
location, secured by tightening the nut 30. Tightening functions
both to turn the bolt so that the head 24 is captured beneath the
flanges 16 and to draw the support against the top of the barrier
B.
When it is desired to remove the supports 28, the nuts 30 need
simply be loosened to enable the bolts to be either slid out of the
ends of the channel 10, or drawn through the slot defined between
the flanges 16. With the supports so removed, the barriers are
conditioned for storage and reuse, with no parts of the sign
fastening structure extending therefrom to interfere with handling
or stacking.
The steps of the inventive method comprise: a) forming a slot
longitudinally within an elongate concrete barrier by casting the
channel 10 within the barrier so that the space between the flanges
16 defines a slot within the barrier; b) sliding a bolt 22 into the
slot so that the head 24 is captured within the slot and the shank
26 extends from the slot; c) positioning a support 24 on the
barrier so that the shank of the bolt extends through an aperture
therefor in the support; d) sliding the support to any desired
position along the length of the barrier; and e) engaging the shank
of the bolt with a nut 30 to draw the support against the
barrier.
An additional step is to inject foam into the channel. This may be
done prior to casting of the channel within barrier to prevent the
intrusion of concrete into the channel during the casting process.
Foam may also be injected into the channel after formation of the
barrier to prevent debris, water and ice intrusion during use of
the barrier.
Conclusion
While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated
and described, the invention is not intended to be limited to the
specifics of that embodiment, but rather is defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *